What LSU's Jay Johnson Said About His Team's Struggles — A Masterclass in Coaching Accountability - Ep. 167 Two national championships. One brutally honest self-assessment. In this episode of Dugout Dish, EMD Baseball breaks down LSU Head Baseball Coach Jay Johnson's recent candid interviews about his program's struggles this season — what he said, why he said it, and what every coach, player, and baseball family can take away from the way he handled it. What we cover: What Jay Johnson said publ...
May 14, 2026•46 min•Ep. 167
Technology has transformed college baseball recruiting. From Trackman to Rapsodo to Hawkeye, coaches now have access to more data on recruits than ever before — and knowing how to use your numbers to your advantage has become one of the most important parts of the recruiting process. But data is only part of the story. In this episode of Dugout Dish, EMD Baseball breaks down exactly how coaches use metrics to evaluate recruits, what your numbers actually tell a coaching staff, and why in-game pe...
May 13, 2026•19 min
The college baseball recruiting process is about more than tools and metrics — it is about finding the right fit for both the player and the program. In this episode of Dugout Dish, EMD Baseball sits down with Denison University Associate Head Coach Ryne Romick to talk about how his program evaluates and recruits players, what those early conversations with recruits look like, and how culture and fit ultimately drive the recruiting decision on both sides. What we cover: How Denison University id...
May 07, 2026•1 hr 12 min•Ep. 166
NCAA 5-for-5 Eligibility Rule Explained — What It Means for College Baseball Rosters & Recruiting | EMD Shorts The NCAA is preparing to vote on a rule change that could fundamentally alter the landscape of college athletics — and college baseball in particular. In this episode of Dugout Dish, EMD Baseball breaks down everything you need to know about the proposed 5-for-5 eligibility rule, how it differs from the current system, and what it would mean for rosters, recruiting, and the players ...
May 04, 2026•26 min
In this episode of Dugout Dish, EMD Baseball breaks down how the season has played out across the major conferences, which programs have done enough to host a regional, and where we think the bubble stands heading into the most important week of the regular season. What we cover: The SEC logjam — which middle-of-the-pack programs have the best path to the NCAA Tournament and who is running out of time The ACC at the top — how Boston College has put together one of the best stories of the season ...
Apr 30, 2026•54 min•Ep. 165
One of the most important lessons a baseball player can learn has nothing to do with velocity, exit velocity, or showcase rankings — it's about being coachable and actively seeking out people who will challenge you to be better. In this episode of Dugout Dish, EMD Baseball breaks down a powerful message San Francisco 49ers Head Coach Kyle Shanahan delivered to a group of high school players and explains exactly why it applies to every baseball recruit navigating the college process right now. Wh...
Apr 27, 2026•20 min
College athletics is facing its biggest shakeup in decades. In this episode of Dugout Dish, EMD Baseball breaks down the executive order set to take effect August 1, 2026 — covering everything from NIL reform and transfer portal changes to new eligibility rules and the government's plan to enforce compliance through federal funding. What we cover: The new 5-year eligibility window and what it means for student athletes at every level Why the executive order aims to eliminate NIL collectives and ...
Apr 23, 2026•54 min•Ep. 164
*Re-release of ep. 94* In this episode, we sit down with Boston College Head Coach Todd Interdonato. We talk about what he values in the recruiting process, how he and his staff communicate with potential recruits and their families, as well as how to become more self assured and confident in what you do and more. New episodes of Dugout Dish drop every week. Subscribe so you never miss recruiting and development intel that could change your player's future. Gloves - www.kaligloves.com Diamond Co...
Apr 16, 2026•1 hr 18 min•Ep. 163
The in-game bullpen is a common practice in youth and high school baseball — and one of the most damaging to a young pitcher's development. In this episode of Dugout Dish, EMD Baseball breaks down exactly why throwing a scheduled bullpen session during a live game instead of at practice is putting unnecessary stress on your pitcher's arm and quietly holding him back. What you'll learn: What the in-game bullpen is and why it has become so widely used at the youth and high school level Why the int...
Apr 13, 2026•16 min
Every baseball family has questions about the recruiting process — and in this episode of Dugout Dish, EMD Baseball answers the ones we hear most. From understanding the difference between camps and showcases to knowing exactly what to put in your first email to a college coach, this episode covers the recruiting fundamentals every player and parent needs to know. What we answer: Camps vs. Showcases — what's the actual difference, and which one gives your player the best shot at being seen? The ...
Apr 09, 2026•37 min•Ep. 162
Act Like a College Baseball Player Before You Are One — What Being Recruitable Really Means The players who get recruited to play college baseball don't wait until they arrive on campus to start acting like college players — they do it years before anyone offers them. In this episode of Dugout Dish, EMD Baseball breaks down exactly what that means and how you can apply it to every area of your game right now. What you'll learn: What the phrase "act like a college player before you are one" reall...
Apr 06, 2026•19 min
We've hit the halfway point of the 2026 college baseball season and the EMD Baseball crew is breaking it all down. In this episode of Dugout Dish, we give you our honest midseason report — the surprises, the disappointments, the players turning heads, and a preview of what could be the best weekend of college baseball so far this spring. What we cover: The teams and players who have exceeded expectations through the first half The biggest disappointments of the season — programs that haven't del...
Apr 02, 2026•1 hr 1 min
College baseball coaches evaluate more than just your player's tools — they're watching your family too. In this episode of Dugout Dish, EMD Baseball breaks down the most common recruiting mistakes parents make and exactly how those mistakes can damage their son's chances of getting an offer. What you'll learn: Why parents must support the process without becoming the one being recruited How using the word "we" in conversations with coaches sends the wrong signal Why players — not parents — must...
Mar 30, 2026•25 min
What does it take to build a program with 447 wins in 15 years — and what does that winning standard mean for the players being recruited into it? In this episode of Dugout Dish, EMD Baseball sits down with St. John Fisher Head Coach Brandon Potter to break down his recruiting philosophy, what he looks for in players, and how he builds a culture that consistently wins. What you'll learn: Why Coach Potter prioritizes multi-sport athletes and what it signals about a recruit's athleticism and tough...
Mar 26, 2026•1 hr 8 min•Ep. 160
If you want to get recruited, you need to understand how college baseball coaches actually spend their time on the road. In this episode of Dugout Dish, EMD Baseball breaks down the college baseball recruiting calendar — when coaches leave campus, where they go, and how they decide which events to attend. What you'll learn: The March 1 rule and what it means for off-campus recruiting Why coaches stay regional during the season and expand their search in the summer How staffs choose which camps, ...
Mar 23, 2026•25 min
College baseball recruiting doesn't have to feel overwhelming — but for most families, it does. In this episode of Dugout Dish, EMD Baseball breaks down the recruiting process from the inside so players and parents can replace anxiety with a clear, confident game plan. We cover the most common stress points families face — confusing timelines, expensive showcase schedules, and the pressure of campus visits — and explain exactly what to expect at every stage of the process. What you'll learn: Why...
Mar 19, 2026•57 min•Ep. 159
In this episode, we explore the importance of student-athlete agency in the recruiting process and how parents can support without taking control. We discuss why athletes need to be in the driver’s seat, actively owning their recruitment by hitting, throwing, pitching, lifting, emailing coaches, posting on social media, and engaging in every aspect of the process. We also break down the role of parents, showing how they can provide guidance, encouragement, and structure while allowing their chil...
Mar 17, 2026•13 min
In this episode, we break down the latest D1 college baseball data on run scoring, ERA, and run prevention — and what it means for the recruiting process. We discuss why coaches are prioritizing athletes at every position, players who can not only hit but also defend at an elite level. We also cover what it really takes to pitch at the Division 1 level — because velocity and stuff alone won't cut it. College baseball coaches want pitchers who can field their position, hold runners, and compete. ...
Mar 12, 2026•47 min•Ep. 158
In this episode, we break down the growing debate around transfer rules in college athletics and why many coaches and athletic departments believe the current NCAA transfer portal system needs reform. Over the past several months, frustration has been building across college sports as coaches and administrators deal with the reality of athletes transferring multiple times with immediate eligibility. Combined with Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) opportunities, the system has increasingly started ...
Mar 09, 2026•24 min
In this episode, we sit down with former MLB infielder Kevin Smith for an in-depth conversation on elite infield defense, footwork, positioning, and baseball development. Since retiring from professional baseball, Kevin has launched Kali Gloves and built a strong presence on social media, where he teaches modern infield play and shares insights to help the next generation of players improve their defensive game. This episode dives deep into the value of defense in baseball and why infield play c...
Mar 05, 2026•1 hr 31 min•Ep. 157
In this episode, we sit down and talk about the Quiet Period ending and the evaluation period starting on March 1st and dive into what players should be doing in preparation for the spring and summer. Kali Gloves - www.kaligloves.com Diamond College Showcase Camps - www.diamondcollegeshowcase.com Team Match Sports - www.teammatchsports.com...
Mar 02, 2026•27 min
In this episode, we sit down with Knoxville Smokies player development coach Joe Curci to break down modern hitting development in Minor League Baseball. A graduate of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute with a degree in data science, Curci blends traditional baseball knowledge with cutting-edge technology to develop hitters in the Chicago Cubs minor league system. We dive deep into hitting mechanics, approach, timing, swing decisions, pitch recognition, and in-game adjustments. Coach Curci explain...
Feb 26, 2026•1 hr 25 min•Ep. 156
In this episode, we break down exactly what 2026 graduates committed to play college baseball should be doing before arriving on campus this fall. If you're a future freshman preparing for Division I, II, III, or JUCO baseball, this episode outlines a plan for the summer. We cover a detailed roadmap for pitchers, including innings management, pitch counts, summer ball decisions, strength and conditioning priorities, arm care routines, and how to communicate effectively with your college pitching...
Feb 23, 2026•22 min
In this episode, we sit down with Monroe Community College Head Baseball Coach Dave Brust to discuss his coaching journey and the principles that guide his approach to teaching and player development. Coach Brust breaks down what he believes in as a coach, how he connects with his players, and why college coaching is far more layered than just teaching the fundamentals of the game. We dive into the importance of JUCO baseball within the college baseball landscape, what it takes to compete at a h...
Feb 19, 2026•1 hr 47 min•Ep. 155
In this episode, we break down the truth about baseball camps and showcases for the 2030 class and younger players. If you’re a parent or player wondering whether 12U, 13U, or 14U athletes should attend recruiting showcases right now, this episode is for you. We explain the current NCAA recruiting rules, who is actually allowed to attend showcases this time of year, and what college coaches can (and cannot) do when it comes to early recruiting. We also cover realistic college recruiting timeline...
Feb 16, 2026•19 min
In this episode, we break down our annual Division I college baseball season preview with Jonathan Grosse, getting you ready for the 2026 college baseball season. We dive into the biggest storylines entering opening weekend, including major coaching changes across the SEC and ACC, where several programs will feature new—and first-time—head coaches. We also take a close look at mid-major college baseball programs that could break out this season and make a postseason run, before sharing our prese...
Feb 12, 2026•1 hr 21 min•Ep. 154
*re-release from 1-20-25 In this episode, we talk about where high school players focus should be right now in January. Making the variety team should be your goal, however, we also talk about what to do if you don’t. Kali Gloves - www.kaligloves.com Diamond College Showcase Camps - www.diamondcollegeshowcase.com Team Match Sports - www.teammatchsports.com...
Feb 09, 2026•10 min
In this episode, we sit down with Murray State pitching coach Steve Adkins to break down how one of college baseball’s top pitching staffs is built. Coach Adkins shares his coaching background, reflects on Murray State’s historic College World Series run in 2025, and explains how his staff identifies resilient, competitive pitchers in the recruiting process. We dive into what Coach Adkins looks for when recruiting pitchers in the 2026 class, including the ability to get outs, swing-and-miss metr...
Feb 05, 2026•1 hr 25 min•Ep. 153
In this episode, we deliver our annual PSA on why high school baseball players and families should be watching college baseball. We talk about how much the college game has grown, why it’s more accessible than ever, and where to watch college baseball throughout the season. If your goal is to play college baseball, watching games—both live and on TV—is one of the easiest and most effective ways to understand what level you realistically fit in at and how good you need to be to compete. Seeing th...
Feb 02, 2026•16 min
In this episode, we break down our top five college baseball recruiting tips for the Class of 2028 as the high school season approaches. We start in the weight room and with nutrition, explaining why physical development matters early, how it helps keep players healthy, and why it impacts performance and recruiting throughout your entire baseball career. Next, we dive into the high school baseball season and why having a productive, developmental season is more important than simply making the v...
Jan 29, 2026•50 min•Ep. 152
